Have you always wanted your favourite authors to recommend their favourite books to you? I mean, I guess you can sometimes get that information from a blog post, a published interview, or maybe you can even contact them on Twitter. And that's all okay. But, for one day only, you have the opportunity to see those same, favourite authors in-store and in-person on Authors for Indies (AFI) Day!

What is Authors for Indies Canada?

On Saturday, April 29 — on what is arguably the most magical day of the year — authors across Canada will be leaving their writing rooms, idea caves, and procrastination dens and coming to an indie bookstore near you. They'll be hand-selling their favourite books as well as the books they think will be perfect for you. Maybe you'll even be moved to buy a copy or two of their own books, though it's important to note that this isn't the focus of AFI; the goal of the grassroots campaign is to promote local, indie bookstores, to bring people into their neighbourhood stores, and to encourage them to shop locally.

Participating bookstores are opening their floors to authors who will be volunteering as booksellers for a day, and some of them are even giving out prizes, early-bird gift bags, access to exclusive goodies (like limited edition books or T-shirts), and refreshments! See what's happening in a bookstore near you. There's really no reason not to attend with incentives like these!

Bookstores aren't the only ones participating; publishers are getting in on the fun, too. Penguin Random House Canada, for example, has come up with Authors for Indies Bookstore Bingo. Complete the challenges and earn entries into a draw for $1,000 worth of books!

Tell us what you or your local bookstore are doing for Authors for Indies Day in the comments. We hope to see you all out there, shopping locally and supporting your indies!

BookNet Canada is a non-profit organization that develops technology, standards, and education to serve the Canadian book industry. Founded in 2002 to address systemic challenges in the industry, BookNet Canada supports publishing companies, booksellers, wholesalers, distributors, sales agents, industry associations, literary agents, media, and libraries across the country.